From the Editor’s Desk
The range of activities carried out by the Japan Medical Association (JMA) is extremely extensive. I believe that this can clearly be observed by readers of this issue of the JMA Journal. First, the guidelines for administering stable iodine that we developed in case of a radiological emergency arising from a nuclear accident are good examples. In the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant after the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami in 2011, we experienced considerable difficulties when we tried to provide sufficient medical advice regarding the evacuation of local residents in response to radiation risks. In view of this incident, the JMA established new guidelines that stipulate that physicians should clearly present their professional opinions and actions to the public. It should be noted that the task-force members of JMA and its research institute (JMARI) engaged in sufficient discussions with the authorities in charge and relevant government officials before doing so. The next example is the JMA Global Health Committee’s report, which mentions current views and future perspectives about the JMA’s global activities. It discusses how global activities led by the WMA can potentially contribute to the improvement of community medicine in Japan. It is important that each physician considers, in their daily practice of medicine, what role their practice plays in the international arena, and reflects those thoughts to improve their medical
JMAJ, May / June 2014—Vol.57, No.3
activities based on wider perspectives. The article by Mr. Morioka, based on a questionnaire survey pertaining to disciplinary actions of physicians that was conducted in 2013 through collaboration with 13 national medical associations, is also intriguing. Mr. Tezuka’s article about physicians and professional autonomy is another interesting piece that contains opinions from a lawyer’s standpoint. The weight of his words leads me to believe that legal experts and physicians need to share comprehensive understanding. These two articles will prove to be very significant in facilitating deeper global understanding. Incidentally, Vol.57 No.1 of the JMAJ was the last paper publication; it is now being released in e-journal format. It is widely known that the Internet is assuming leadership in transmitting information from journals, as seen in the speed of development of current international affairs. The contents of the JMAJ are available through the JMA’s English website as well as through PubMed Central. We shall further investigate the potential applications of the JMAJ as an e-journal and explore how the JMAJ can contribute more as a means of providing information to the WMA and CMAAO members. Masami ISHII, Executive Board Member, Japan Medical Association ([email protected]); Vice-Chair of Council, World Medical Association; Secretary General, Confederation of Medical Associations in Asia and Oceania (CMAAO).
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The range of activities carried out by the Japan Medical Association (JMA) is extremely extensive. I believe that this can clearly be observed by readers of this issue of the JMA Journal. First, the guidelines for administering stable iodine that we developed in case of a radiological emergency arising from a nuclear accident are good examples. In the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant after the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami in 2011, we experienced considerable difficulties when we tried to provide sufficient medical advice regarding the evacuation of local residents in response to radiation risks. In view of this incident, the JMA established new guidelines that stipulate that physicians should clearly present their professional opinions and actions to the public. It should be noted that the task-force members of JMA and its research institute (JMARI) engaged in sufficient discussions with the authorities in charge and relevant government officials before doing so. The next example is the JMA Global Health Committee’s report, which mentions current views and future perspectives about the JMA’s global activities. It discusses how global activities led by the WMA can potentially contribute to the improvement of community medicine in Japan. It is important that each physician considers, in their daily practice of medicine, what role their practice plays in the international arena, and reflects those thoughts to improve their medical
JMAJ, May / June 2014—Vol.57, No.3
activities based on wider perspectives. The article by Mr. Morioka, based on a questionnaire survey pertaining to disciplinary actions of physicians that was conducted in 2013 through collaboration with 13 national medical associations, is also intriguing. Mr. Tezuka’s article about physicians and professional autonomy is another interesting piece that contains opinions from a lawyer’s standpoint. The weight of his words leads me to believe that legal experts and physicians need to share comprehensive understanding. These two articles will prove to be very significant in facilitating deeper global understanding. Incidentally, Vol.57 No.1 of the JMAJ was the last paper publication; it is now being released in e-journal format. It is widely known that the Internet is assuming leadership in transmitting information from journals, as seen in the speed of development of current international affairs. The contents of the JMAJ are available through the JMA’s English website as well as through PubMed Central. We shall further investigate the potential applications of the JMAJ as an e-journal and explore how the JMAJ can contribute more as a means of providing information to the WMA and CMAAO members. Masami ISHII, Executive Board Member, Japan Medical Association ([email protected]); Vice-Chair of Council, World Medical Association; Secretary General, Confederation of Medical Associations in Asia and Oceania (CMAAO).
159
